NFL Draft 2022: New York Giants’ 3 Under the radar needs

New York Giants Middle Linebacker:

Starting middle linebacker Blake Martinez was out most of last season after tearing his ACL in week three versus Atlanta Falcons.

When healthy, Martinez is an efficient defender for the New York Giants, and is credited for being one of the better tackling linebackers in the National Football League (NFL).

The 28-year-old is in the final year of his three-year deal, and could very well be playing his final season as a Giant.

A potential replacement for Martinez if he was to leave at the end of the 2022 season could be Tae Crowder.

Crowder, who was the final pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, stepped up to fill the void left by Martinez and was given the headset and responsibility of communicating defensive coverages to his teammates.

Depending on how he fits with new defensive coordinator Don Martindale’s scheme, Crowder could see more game time and responsibility if Martinez was to hit free agency in 2023.

However, the Giants are in a rebuild under a new front office and coaching staff, and should be looking for a clear long-term upgrade if Martinez isn’t to be re-signed.

The middle linebacker position is another position to keep an eye on, and one that has somewhat slipped under the radar, but again this all depends on if general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll look to extend him.